Let me start by saying I, as well as the area veterans (approximately 2,500 in Alpena alone), are grateful for the way the people of this area stepped up and generously contributed to a new DAV van to transport veterans to downstate appointments.

At that time, there were three of us taking turns driving, then COVID hit, and we lost two of our drivers. We are once again asking for people to help get these veterans to their appointments. It requires a physical (the VA doesn’t take the safety of our veterans for granted) that is done in Saginaw and a little bit of time.

The rewards of talking to veterans on the way south in itself is informative. As the only authorized driver, if I am under the weather or take a vacation, there is no one to take our veterans to appointments in Saginaw and Ann Arbor, so if you feel you can pass a physical, please contact the veterans counselors in Alpena at 989-354-9673.

We are grateful again for the generosity I have seen in the people of this area who have not only stepped up for veterans, but all those who need help.

EDWIN OLSEN,

Posen